Gardner-Webb NewsCenter Archive

This is the archive for Gardner-Webb's Newscenter, which is your source for updates and events happening on campus, as well as interesting stories about GWU students, faculty/staff and alumni. You'll also find stories about academic accomplishments and community service projects.

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With New Name, Gardner-Webb University Office Seeks to Increase Community Impact

Office of University Communications

A Gardner-Webb University office that actively promotes sustainability, service, responsibility and ethics hopes that the addition of one new word to its name will have a major impact on its outreach. The GWU IMPACT Center for Christian Ethics & Social Responsibility recently updated its title to incorporate its new mission statement of “Influencing Mercy and Promoting Advocacy in the Community by working Together.” In short, the office is now called the “IMPACT Center.”
Familiar Comedy Duo to Perform at Gardner-Webb

Office of University Communications

Comedians Bradley Bean and Jackson Bailey met and became friends on a Christian college campus in the 1990s. In the two decades since, the duo has become known for masterfully using humor to help discuss faith and other significant life topics with college students across the country. On Sept. 6, “Bean and Bailey” will be featured in Gardner-Webb University’s Dimensions program.
GWU Student Develops Business Plan for Disabled Children in Cambodia

Office of University Communications

A seven-week summer internship in Cambodia gave a member of the Gardner-Webb Swim team an opportunity to gain practical experience for a career in missions. Tessa Walsh (’19), a global studies major and business administration minor from Blacksburg, Va., worked with Lina’s Hope, a Christian non-profit organization that cares for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. She chronicled her experiences by writing a blog and a journal
Educator Learns the Art of Leadership from School of Education Professors

Office of University Communications

Lawrence Peoples (’17) of Greensboro, N.C., heard about Gardner-Webb from his assistant principal and decided to learn more about the Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies. “I was already a leader at my school and knew this program would be a natural progression,” Peoples reflected. “I knew I had to develop my skills in order to qualify for different leadership opportunities.”
Former Gardner-Webb Professors Honored Through New Scholarship Fund

Office of University Communications

A new scholarship has been established in honor of three outstanding former Gardner-Webb social sciences professors. The Blackburn-Eastman-Hambright (BEH) Humanities Scholarship Fund will provide support for a rising GWU senior majoring in one of the social sciences. To institute a permanent endowed scholarship fund, organizers are working to raise $25,000 over the next five years.
GWU/Cleveland County Orchestra Seeks Musicians

Office of University Communications

If you’re an experienced musician with an interest in performing both classic and new compositions at a variety of University and community events, the Gardner-Webb University/Cleveland County Orchestra wants to connect with you. The orchestra is seeking musicians with talent on a variety of instruments to join the ensemble for regular rehearsals and performances throughout the year. String and percussion specialists are especially needed, but all interested musicians are invited to inquire about opportunities.
GWU Doctor of Education Program Helps Student Assess Leadership Ability

Office of University Communications

While working on her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Gardner-Webb, Roberta F. Callaway (’16) of Stantonsburg, N.C., was asked to complete a self-assessment. The exercise in introspection proved to be the most beneficial in preparing her for the next step in her career. “The authentic leadership assignment required me to thoroughly reflect on my top five core values and beliefs,” she explained.
Student Majors in Theatre and World Religions to Prepare for Ministry

Office of University Communications

Bekah Rhea (’17) of Knoxville, Tenn., is preparing for a career in cross-cultural evangelism by majoring in theatre and world religions at Gardner-Webb. Focusing on world religions gives her an understanding of different cultures and beliefs, while participating in theatre helps her become an effective communicator, developing skills in presentation and professionalism. Disabled from birth, Rhea uses a motorized wheelchair.
Neal Alexander Named as Interim Dean for Gardner-Webb University Business School

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University announced today that Neal Alexander was named as the interim dean for the Godbold School of Business. Alexander, who has a long history with the University, will take on the role beginning Sept. 19. Alexander announced earlier today that he was leaving his current position with the State of North Carolina as the Director of Human Resources, a post he has held since 2013.
Doctoral Program Growth Yields New, Elite Status for Gardner-Webb University

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University has achieved Doctoral University status with The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, moving from a pool of some 750 institutions in the U.S. to an elite list of just 334 in the nation. Among private schools in North Carolina, only Gardner-Webb, Duke University (Durham) and Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem) share the Doctoral University classification. “Like the move to NCAA Division I athletics over a decade ago, Gardner-Webb University’s new Carnegie classification is simply one more indicator of the remarkable growth the University has experienced in recent years,” shared GWU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Ben Leslie.
On the field or in class, GWU Student-Athlete Strives to do Her Best

Office of University Communications

As she competes in track and field events, studies in class or works in the art studio at Gardner-Webb University, Kayin Mujahid (’17) of Atlanta, Ga., remembers her father’s encouraging advice. “My pops would always tell me, ‘Be the best you can be every second, every minute, every hour, every day, and get up and repeat,’” Mujahid echoed. “Being at Gardner-Webb has made me want to do something great and have a successful life—to do my best day by day.”
GWU School of Education Graduate Programs Help Educator Grow as a Leader

Office of University Communications

Urged by her principal to pursue an administrative degree, Katrissa Fisher (’17) of Winterville, N.C., decided to attend an information session about Gardner-Webb University. “After a discussion with the Gardner-Webb rep, I knew I wanted to attend,” Fisher reflected. “I chose the Master of Arts in Executive Leadership Studies program, because I was executing administrative duties as part of my job responsibilities, but I did not have the credentials. After completing the Master of Arts, I chose the Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, because I felt it was the missing component of my educational knowledge.”
Student Builds Confidence Through GWU Nursing Education Program

Office of University Communications

After nearly two decades in the nursing profession, Rebecca Damron (’16) of Winston-Salem, N.C., found a new level of confidence through her graduate studies at Gardner-Webb University. “I feel completely prepared to be engaged in any form of nursing education,” she offered. “I know there is something great just waiting for me.”
GWU Alumnus Trains Olympic Swimming Medalist

Office of University Communications

The Olympic Games in Brazil have produced a series of proud and historic moments for 2003 Gardner-Webb University alumnus Jeremy Martin. Martin owns Charlotte, N.C.-based sports-training facility Ultimate Athlete (UA), which officially opened in 2015. He has watched Team USA’s swimming events with great interest as teenager Kathleen Baker, one of the many athletes for which his organization provides performance training, claimed a gold medal with the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay team and an individual silver medal in the women’s 100-meter backstroke event.
Exhibit to Feature Artwork of GWU Faculty Member

Office of University Communications

The Gardner-Webb University School of Performing and Visual Arts will present the work of Assistant Professor of Art Paula Spangler Casper in an exhibit on campus during August and September. “Who Let The Dogs In?” will feature a portrait series of various breeds of dogs that Casper created with oil paint and hand-stitched fibers. The display begins Aug. 15 and continues through Sept. 16 in GWU’s Tucker Student Center Gallery.
GWU Connects Student to New Friends, Educational Opportunities

Office of University Communications

Gardner-Webb University was on Alice Byrd’s short list, because her mother asked her to consider colleges closer to home. The Asheville, N.C., resident had also applied to a school out-of-state, but after visiting both, realized GWU was the only choice. “From the moment I set foot on Gardner-Webb’s campus, I knew it was home,” Byrd shared.
GWU Lacrosse Player Shares Skills with Young People in Uganda

Office of University Communications

Relying on facial expressions, posture and a limited vocabulary, Emma Rose (’17), a member of the Gardner-Webb University Women’s Lacrosse Team, communicated her instructions to young lacrosse players in Uganda. “Everything you are taught by your parents, like to have good posture and to show well-mannered body language, comes into play when language is limited,” stated Rose, a political science major. “This is the beauty of lacrosse though, and the beauty of sports in general. They can be taught and translated through demonstration and knowing three words in Luganda. Those words being, ‘stop,’ ‘go,’ and ‘Mzungu,’ which is used to refer to people of European descent or a foreigner, just so you know when people are speaking to or about you.”
GWU Student Improves Spanish Skills While Experiencing Costa Rican Culture

Office of University Communications

Perched on the edge of a platform about 11 stories high, Kathryn Manning (’18) had a choice to make. Should she jump and soar on a Tarzan swing through the valley below the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica? Her friends from Gardner-Webb University went first and waited below.
Student Travels 3,000 Miles to Find her Place at GWU

Office of University Communications

When Emily Hamilton (’18) of Everson, Wash., searched for colleges that fit her varied interests, Gardner-Webb University came up most often. Even though the school was located almost 3,000 miles away, she trusted the search results and scheduled a visit. “The whole time I was on the tour I was in awe at how gorgeous the campus was,” she shared. “
Lacrosse Player Appreciates Support of Gardner-Webb Community

Office of University Communications

When Emma Rose (’17) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was contacted by the Women’s Lacrosse coach at Gardner-Webb University, she couldn’t believe the timing. “I ended up visiting the school shortly after my grandfather died, and it just seemed like a sign that I found Gardner-Webb,” Rose observed. “I fell in love with the school once I stepped foot on the campus. The community is small and tight knit. You know your professors and everyone in your major. It creates an awesome learning environment. I’ve met the happiest and nicest people at Gardner-Webb, and I think everyone deserves to experience that.”
Online Master’s Program Provides Relevant, Useful Information

Office of University Communications

Although she feels uncomfortable working with technology, Heidi Hyde overcame doubts about her technical abilities and enrolled in the online Master of Arts in English program at Gardner-Webb University. “I loved the thought of getting my master’s in literature without having to drive to a campus,” said Hyde, who lives in Hickory, N.C. “The fact that the degree was completely online was attractive to me in this regard. I love seated classes, but the benefits of the online program outweighed the disadvantages for me.”
Gardner-Webb University Awards Over 230 Degrees at Summer Commencement on July 30

Office of University Communications

Gardner–Webb University hosted Summer Commencement on Saturday, July 30 in the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center at 10 a.m. More than 230 traditional undergraduate, degree completion, and graduate program students were honored for their achievements during the ceremony. Many graduates participated in the ceremony through prayer and scripture readings.
Divinity Student Values Supportive GWU Faculty and Staff

Office of University Communications

Two weeks after graduating from the School of Divinity at Gardner-Webb University, Chase Robinson (’16) accepted the call to pastor Sandy Plains Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C. He transitioned to the role after serving as the church’s youth and children’s minister for three years. “I love being with people and building meaningful relationships,” reflected Robinson, who earned a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Studies. “My job gives me great opportunities to do so.”
Gardner-Webb’s Close-knit Community Supports Academic Success

Office of University Communications

While earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Gardner-Webb University, Mindy Robinson (’16) realized that the most important part of her education wasn’t found in a textbook. “In both my undergraduate and graduate studies, what I valued most was the Gardner-Webb community,” she reflected. “I met my husband, Chase, and some of my very best friends. I have formed lasting relationships that I will carry with me long after my time at Gardner-Webb has come to an end. There are several professors that I would feel comfortable calling and talking to about whatever was going on in my life. These relationships and this community were crucial to my academic success, and the people truly made my experience what it was.”
While Attending GWU, Couple Discerns Calling to Serve the Local Church

Office of University Communications

Chase Robinson (’16) of Vale, N.C., came to Gardner-Webb University thinking he was on his way to the foreign mission field. As he began serving in student ministries and working in local churches, he discovered God’s calling was closer to home, and he wouldn’t be alone. His future included Mindy McNeely (’16), a young woman he met through Fellowship of Christians United in Service (FOCUS), a student ministry involving teams of students who lead youth retreats locally and regionally.